Durham School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School: Durham School (Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation)
• Location: Quarryheads Lane, Durham DH1 4SZ
• Type: Co-educational independent school (ages 3-18)
• Boarding: Full, weekly, and flexible boarding available
• Students: Approximately 495 pupils
• Day Fees: £2,079 - £5,878 per term
• Boarding Fees: £4,597 - £14,316 per term
• Headmaster: Mr Kieran McLaughlin
• Contact: +44 191 731 9270 | admissions@dcsf.org.uk

About Durham School

Durham School, founded in 1414 as part of the Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation, is a historically significant educational institution. Located in the heart of Durham's World Heritage Site, the school occupies a unique position within the shadow of the magnificent Durham Cathedral, providing an inspirational learning environment that combines centuries of academic tradition with modern educational excellence.

The school serves 495 pupils aged 3 to 18, offering both day and boarding places within a close-knit community that prioritises moral integrity, ambition, responsibility, and kindness. Durham School's educational philosophy centres on developing well-rounded individuals who excel academically whilst embracing the school's Christian values and heritage.

The school's location in Durham city centre provides exceptional opportunities for cultural enrichment, with easy access to the cathedral, castle, and university facilities. This historic setting, combined with modern teaching facilities and resources, creates an environment where traditional values meet contemporary educational innovation.

Durham School offers extensive co-curricular programmes including music, drama, art, and sport, with particular strength in rowing, rugby, and cricket. The school's boarding houses provide a supportive family atmosphere, with flexible arrangements including full, weekly, and occasional boarding to suit family needs.

Fees and key dates for 2026/27

Durham School publishes day fees of £7,355 (Year 7 to 8 day fee) per term for 2026/27, with boarding at Weekly boarding £13,342/term; full boarding £15,510/term (Year 7 to 8) per term, and the figures above come from the school's own fees page as checked in September 2026. Registration dates for the next 11+ round are published by the school's admissions office. Year 7 (11+) entrants sit entrance examinations in English, Mathematics, and verbal and non-verbal reasoning, with a reference from the current school and, where appropriate, an interview. Fees and dates change each year, so the school's website remains the reference for the current round.

The 11+ Assessment Process at Durham School

Durham School's 11+ entrance assessment is designed to identify pupils who will thrive in the school's academic environment and contribute positively to its community. The assessment process typically takes place in January for September entry.

Assessment Components

Written Assessments:
Candidates complete papers in English and Mathematics, designed to assess their current ability and potential for development. These papers focus on core skills rather than specific curriculum knowledge, ensuring fairness regardless of previous school experience.

English Assessment:
The English paper evaluates reading comprehension, creative writing ability, and language skills through age-appropriate texts and writing tasks that demonstrate the candidate's ability to think critically and express ideas clearly.

Mathematics Assessment:
The Mathematics paper tests numerical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and mathematical understanding through questions that assess both computational ability and logical thinking.

Personal Interview:
All candidates participate in an individual interview with senior staff to assess their character, interests, and potential contribution to school life. This conversation-based assessment helps identify pupils who align with Durham School's values and community spirit.

Assessment Day Experience

The assessment day is designed to be welcoming and supportive, with current pupils often acting as guides and the school ensuring a relaxed atmosphere. Parents can tour the school whilst candidates complete their assessments, providing an opportunity to experience the school's unique environment and community.

How to Apply

Durham School operates a straightforward application process for Year 7 entry, with the school's admissions team providing personalised support throughout.

Application Timeline

Registration:
Complete the online application form via the school website, providing academic reports and a reference from the candidate's current school. Early registration is recommended as places are limited.

School Visit:
Arrange a visit to experience Durham School's unique atmosphere and meet key staff. These visits can be tailored to individual interests and provide valuable insight into school life.

Assessment Day:
Attend the assessment day in January, which includes written papers in English and Mathematics plus an individual interview. The school provides detailed information about timing and requirements well in advance.

Offer Notification:
Successful candidates receive offers shortly after assessment day, with clear information about next steps including acceptance procedures and preparation for entry.

Supporting Documentation

Applications should include recent school reports, a reference from the current headteacher, and any relevant information about special educational needs or exceptional circumstances. The admissions team reviews each application holistically, considering academic potential alongside character and contribution to school life.

Preparing for the Durham School 11+ with Taylor Tuition

Families preparing for the Durham School 11+ usually come to us a year or so before the assessment, though shorter runs work where the foundations are already sound. Having prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools, with placements including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, our tutors build each programme around the format the school actually uses, whether a written paper, an online pre-test, an interview or a combination of them.

More than half of our tutors hold Qualified Teacher Status and around three in five hold a master's degree or doctorate, and the pool includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools, so the preparation is led by people who know how selective schools assess. Every tutor who works with children holds an enhanced DBS check.

Families in the North of England and further afield work with us online, and in person in central London. Fees start from £50 per 50-minute session and depend on tutor level and subject, with no registration fee and a free initial consultation to talk through your child's current level and the timeline to the 11+. Families receive progress reports after sessions and have a dedicated point of contact, and we reply to enquiries within one working day with tutor recommendations.

Read more about our 11+ entrance exam tutors, or send an enquiry and we will come back with tutor recommendations.